Search Results

06/17/2025 Washington, D.C. – President’s Discretionary Budget Request can be found here . Technical Supplement to the Budget Request can be found here . Department of the Interior’s Budget in Brief, which oversees a majority of Indian Country programs, can be found here . Indian Health Service Congressional Justification Plan can be found here . Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com or 608-608-1210.

05/20/2025 Washington, D.C. – Over the last month, the U.S. Department of the Interior (“Interior”) issued two tribal consultation notices: first, on the reorganization of Interior, and second, on the streamlining of energy permits.  These two consultation notices have been combined into a single consultation that will address two serious and significant issues facing tribal nations.  Regional tribal consultations on both issues start today, May 20, 2025, and written comments on both are due on July 7, 2025. On April 14, 2025, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs (the “Acting ASIA”), Scott Davis, issued a notice for Tribal Consultation on the Proposed Reorganization of the Department of the Interior .  Some may recall former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s efforts under the first Trump Administration to reorganize Interior.  Tribes successfully advocated to be excluded from that reorganization due to potential impacts on treaty and trust responsibilities. Interior is now proposing “restructuring of Indian Affairs to support more efficient interactions with Tribes.”  This includes efforts “to improve efficiency through staffing changes, resource sharing, process improvements, and potential consolidation of programs and offices.”  Interior is also proposing to increase support for Tribal Self-Governance and Self-Determination contracts and “provide Tribes with improved flexibility to foster economic growth, address the specific local needs of their communities, and increase pathways to self-determination and self-governance.” On May 1, 2025, the Acting ASIA issued a second notice for Tribal Consultation on Interior’s Energy Emergency Procedures  to take place at the same time as the first consultation.  Interior’s Energy Emergency Procedures were released following the President Trump’s declaration of a National Energy Emergency and are already being implemented by Interior.   Interior’s Energy Emergency Procedures  address streamlining under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), and National Historic Preservation Act (“NHPA”). Under NEPA, the procedures provide that Interior should complete review of qualified energy projects within 28 days. Under the ESA, Interior will provide expedited consultation on impacts to threatened or endangered species. Under NEPA, the procedures provide that Interior should complete review of qualified energy projects within 14 days for an EA and 28 days for an EIS. Please find attached the: 1) April 14, 2025 Consultation Notice on the Reorganization of the Department of the Interior; 2) May 1, 2025 Consultation Notice on Energy Emergency Procedures; and 3) Energy Emergency Procedures for NEPA, ESA, and NHPA. Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com or 608-608-1210.

06/17/2025 Washington, D.C. – The President’s FY 2026 Budget proposes substantial cuts to critical programs serving Tribal nations. These details emerged from “Budget in Brief” summaries released by the Department of the Interior, Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies. Cuts to key programs include a 41% reduction in Contract Support Costs. This comes while the Administration is also proposing to “supercharge” Public Law 638 Contracting. Public Safety and Justice programs within Interior are set for a 15% cut. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) construction could see an 80% reduction, impacting infrastructure for Tribal schools. The Indian Health Service (IHS) budget proposes an 87% reduction in funding for Sanitation Facilities Construction and does not include advance appropriations for IHS.    In addition, funding for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) faces a 94% budget cut. THPO funding falls under the National Park Service. This dramatic cut comes while Interior is also proposing to expedite review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for energy projects.   On June 12, 2025, Secretary Burgum testified on the proposed budget before the House Natural Resources Committee. Secretary Burgum committed to combating the fentanyl crisis in Tribal communities and having a discussion with congressional members regarding the budget and staff cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  We recommend that Tribes reach out to their Congressional Delegations to ensure that Congress protects funding levels for Indian programs in FY 2026.   Key Funding Changes Proposed for FY 2026   Proposed Program Total Eliminations for FY 2026: U.S. Fish and Wildlife - State and Tribal Grants Indian Loan Guarantee Program Indian Land Consolidation Program Tribal Climate Resilience Program Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program   Bureau of Indian Affairs: Contract Support Costs (CSC) are funds provided to Tribes from the BIA to cover costs associated with program and service administration. CSC faces a significant 41% reduction - a decrease from $337 million in FY 2025 to $200.4 million in FY 2026. Tribal Government programs include Aid to Tribal Governments, Self-Governance Compacts, and Road Maintenance and faces a 37% reduction - a decrease from $401.2 million in FY 2025 to $252.9 million in FY 2026. Public Safety and Justice programs include law enforcement, Tribal justice support, and the Indian Police Academy. These programs face a 15% reduction - a decrease from $560.2 million in FY 2025 to $476 million in FY 2026.    Bureau of Indian Education: Education Construction faces a drastic 80% reduction with requested funding of $48.1 million in FY 2026, down from $234.7 million in FY 2025. Postsecondary Programs funding for FY 2026 is completely cut to $0, down from $55.8 million in FY 2025. These programs include funding for Haskell Indian Nations University, the Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, and scholarship funds.  Forward funded Postsecondary Programs also sees a substantial cut, with an 83% reduction. The FY 2026 requested funding is $22.1 million, a decrease from the FY 2025 level of $127.4 million.      Indian Health Service: Sanitation Facilities Construction faces a severe 87% reduction from $106.6 million in FY 2025 to $13.4 million in FY 2026. Sanitation Facilities construction provides funding for water supply, sewage disposal, and solid waste disposal facilities.   For Clinical Services, the FY 2026 budget includes a slight 1.7% increase of $81 million reaching a total of $4.5 billion. Clinical Services provides the primary funding for IHS services and includes funding for hospitals, health clinics, electronic health record systems, and more.  Direct Operations and Self-Governance funding remain unchanged for FY 2026 from FY 2025. The President's proposed budget does not include Advanced Appropriations for FY 2026.   Visit our website at www.skenandorewilson.com/news for links to the full budget documents referenced in this article as well as other news on important topics impacting Indian Country. Please contact us if you need any other information on the President’s Proposed Budget or assistance in contacting your Congressional Delegation to protect funding for Tribal programs and services.  Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com or 608-608-1210.

06/18/2025 Madison, WI – Skenandore Wilson LLP is proud to announce that Founding Partner Samantha C. Skenandore has been ranked in the 2025 Chambers and Partners USA directory for the 5th year in a row in the USA-Nationwide rankings for Native American Law! Chambers USA is the world’s leading legal data and analytics provider, highlighting the top lawyers and law firms across the USA for over two decades, so that buyers of legal services are equipped to make the best choice for when it matters. Congratulations Samantha!

07/15/2025 Washington, D.C. – On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1 (the “Act”) into law.  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a sweeping domestic policy package focused on tax cuts, border enforcement, and major cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”).  The Act passed Congress as a budget reconciliation bill which means that it only needed a simple majority vote to pass.  The Republicans passed the Act through Congress by just a few votes.  No Democrats voted for the Act and a few Republicans voted against the Act. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes important tribal provisions, but does not include the significant funding cuts that President Trump has proposed in his FY 2026 budget.  Congress has started work on the FY 2026 budget and will be deciding on Bureau of Indian Affairs Federal government funding over the next few months. Below is a summary of the provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill impacting Tribes including important exemptions for Tribes and Tribal individuals from some of the Act’s most significant impacts.   Beneficial Exemptions and Tax Benefits for Tribal Nations and Individuals: Individual Tribal Members are Exempt from New Medicaid and SNAP Work Requirements Indians, Urban Indians, and California Indians are exempt from the Act’s new work requirements for many Medicaid recipients. Indians, Urban Indians, and California Indians are exempt from the Act’s increased SNAP work requirements. Taxation Provisions  The Act includes “the Tribal Adoption Tax Parity Act” which provides parity between state and Tribal governments in determining whether an adoption qualifies as "special needs" and is eligible for the full adoption tax credit. The Act permanently extends New Market Tax Credits (“NMTCs”) allowing Community Development Financial Institutions (“CDFIs”) to allocate $5 billion of NMTCs for each year.  NMTC can be a source of investment funding in Indian Country. Low Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTCs”) were also permanently extended.  Like NMTCs, LIHTCs are not specific to Tribes, but Tribes have utilized LIHTCs to attract investors to help develop affordable housing in Indian Country. Negative Impacts on Tribal Nations and Individuals:  Medicaid Cuts May Impact Tribal Healthcare The Act cuts Medicaid funding by about $1 trillion, and this will have an impact on Tribal health services.  In recent years, Medicaid has accounted for about two-thirds of third-party revenue for Tribal health providers.  This is a critical source of revenue for Indian Health Service and has become a lifeline for Tribal health facilities due to the underfunding of the Indian Health Service. Despite this impact, Members of Congress have cited the Rural Health Transformation Program included in the Act as a possible way to help fund rural hospitals including Tribally operated clinics.  It is unclear whether Tribes will be able to access this Program and whether it can replace Medicaid funding. Student Loan Changes will Impact some Native Students The Act establishes a $200,000 loan limit and gives less flexibility on loan repayment.  It gives less flexibility for students who experience financial hardship.  The law also only allows full-time students to be eligible for Pell Grants.  Program Rescissions that will occur include: Tribal Energy Loan Program funds will be rescinded, and the program will end. The National Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, otherwise known as SNAP-ED   will end in 2025. The State and Private Forestry Conservation Program, which included Tribes and provided $1.5 billion for tree planting and related activities, has been rescinded.  Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com  or 608-608-1210.

07/18/2025 Washington, D.C. – On July 17, 2025, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a confirmation hearing for Mr. William “Billy” Kirkland (Navajo) to be the next Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior. The Assistant Secretary is one of the most important political appointees within the Administration charged with fulfilling the United States treaty and trust obligations to Indian tribes. The Committee is expected to approve Mr. Kirkland’s nomination. His nomination would then be considered by the full Senate. Mr. Kirkland served in the White House during President Trump’s first term as special assistant to the president. During his testimony, Mr. Kirkland highlighted his firsthand understanding of the infrastructure struggles and lack of economic opportunity in Indian Country. If confirmed, Mr. Kirkland committed to upholding the federal trust responsibility and working in partnership with tribal governments and leaders to address challenges in Indian Country. Mr. Kirkland faced challenging questions from Democratic members of the Committee about the Trump Administration’s commitment to provide the funding and staffing needed for Indian Affairs programs and services. Chairman Lisa Murkowski echoed a collective frustration within the Committee about the need for increased funding and resources in Indian Country. The Chairman commented, “I think we’re frustrated because we know the need and we care about solving these problems, and we need to know your commitment to solving these problems with us. We’re counting on you.” Mr. Kirkland acknowledged this pervasive challenge, stating, “I think it is unfortunate that tribal nations have always been asked to do more with less.” He stated that he plans to spend his first 90 days listening to Tribal Leaders and Congressional Committees to understand top priorities and develop a clear action plan. Mr. Kirkland’s written testimony can be read here and the full hearing can be viewed on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ website at: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/ Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com  or 608-608-1210.

07/22/2025 Washington, D.C. – On July 15, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.  The FY 2026 bill is a response to the President’s proposed budget and includes appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian Health Service (IHS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and more.  The bill now goes to the full Committee for consideration and then the full House of Representatives. The Subcommittee ignored the Indian Affairs budget proposed by President Trump and approved a budget that would continue the same level of funding for Indian Affairs programs and services, including some increases over FY 2025.  The full Committee and Subcommittee includes a number of Congressional Members that have tribes in their Districts and are considered friends of Indian Country.  The Subcommittee is led by Chairman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine).  The full Appropriations Committee is led by Chairman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut). In approving the bill, Subcommittee Chairman Simpson said:  “I have consistently said that I refuse to balance the budget on the backs of Tribes, so I am proud that this bill makes strong investments to further the Federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities.” The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $37.97 billion.  This is $2.54 billion less than FY 2025.  A substantial part of this reduction is due to a $2.1 billion reduction to the Environmental Protection Agency.  Below is a summary of significant Tribal provisions. U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs :  $2.9 billion approved, which is a $1.2 billion increase over the President’s FY 2026 budget request, and a 16 percent increase over FY 2025. Operation of Indian Programs :  $2.25 billion, which is $1 billion more than the President’s FY 2026 budget request, and a 19 percent increase over FY 2025. Construction :  $167 million, which is $73.7 million more than the President’s  FY 2026 budget request, and a 25 percent increase over FY 2025. Public Safety and Justice :  $771.84 million, which is $295.8 million more than the President’s FY 2026 budget request, and a 38 percent increase over FY 2025. Indian Land and Water Claim Settlements :  $58.9 million. Indian Guaranteed Loan Program :  $25 million, rather than eliminating the program as proposed in the President’s FY 2026 budget request and an 88 percent increase over FY 2025. Bureau of Indian Education:  $1.53 billion approved, which is a $613.9 million increase from the President’s FY 2026 budget request and a 12 percent increase over FY 2025.  This total $1.53 billion budget breaks down as follows: Operation of Indian Education Programs:  $1.24 billion approved, which is a $367.5 million increase from the President’s FY 2026 budget request and a 9 percent increase over FY 2025. Education Construction:  $295.4 million, which is a $247.3 million increase from the President’s FY 2026 budget request and a 26 percent increase over FY 2025. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service :  $8.41 billion approved for FY 2026, including the prior year advance, for the Indian Health Service, which is an increase of $182 million above the previous year’s level.  Provides $6.05 billion in FY 2027 advanced appropriations. Indian Health Facilities :  $865.9 million approved. Other Significant Provisions Section 426 directing the Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human Services for a Tribal consultation on 105(l) leases on how to implement a consistent and transparent process for the payment of leases.  Historic Preservation Fund :  $168.9 million approved for expenses necessary in carrying out the National Historic Preservation Act, which includes formula grants to fund Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO).  President Trump had proposed a 93 percent decrease of the Historic Preservation Fund, which would include THPOs, but the Subcommittee approved level funding (no change) from FY 2025. U.S. Forest Service :  $280.96 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry to manage forest health. U.S. Fish and Wildlife :  State and Tribal Wildlife Grants:  $6.2 million for competitive grants for Indian Tribes for the development and implementation of programs for wildlife habitats. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement :  Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund: $135 million to states and federally recognized Indian Tribes for reclamation of abandoned mine lands.  $11.75 million shall be available for grants to federally recognized Indian Tribes for reclamation of abandoned mine lands and other related activity. Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation is eliminated. Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com  or 608-608-1210.

08/05/2025 Washington, D.C. – On July 24, 2025, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Appropriations Bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.  The bill is a response to the President’s proposed budget and includes appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian Health Service (IHS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and more.  The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.  Any differences with the bill passed by the House will need to be resolved prior to final passage by Congress. Overall, the Senate Appropriations Committee rejected President Trump’s proposed budget as did the House Appropriations Committee, but the Senate version provides less funding for Indian programs than the House version.  The difference comes primarily from support in the Senate for programs at EPA which must be balanced against all the other programs in the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.  On the House side, members of the Appropriations Committee were willing to cut EPA programs to benefit Indian programs.   In approving the bill, Committee Chair Collins said: “This legislation would provide important investments in Maine’s public lands, national parks, and tribal programs. It would promote healthy and resilient communities by supporting critical infrastructure that would help to provide clean drinking water and mitigate increasing flood risks.” The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides $38.6 billion, a small increase from the House FY 2026 Appropriations bill of $37.97 billion.  The Senate bill provides $12 billion in total funding for Tribal programs across the Department of the Interior and Indian Health Service.  Below is a summary of significant Tribal provisions. U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs :  overall $2.6 billion approved, which is less than the $2.9 billion approved in the House FY 2026 bill. Operation of Indian Programs :  $1.92 billion, which is less than the $2.25 billion approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is a $22 million increase from the enacted FY 2025 level.   Construction :  $136 million, which is less than the $167 million approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is a $2.5 million increase from the enacted FY 2025 level. Public Safety and Justice :  $558.8 million, which is less than the $771.84 million approved in the House FY 2026 bill, and is a $1.5 million decrease from the enacted FY 2025 level. Indian Guaranteed Loan Program :  $13.33 million, which is less than the $25 million approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is the same as the enacted FY 2025 level. Bureau of Indian Education:  $1.37 billion approved, which is less than the $1.53 billion approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is the same as the enacted FY 2025 level.  This budget breaks down as follows: Operation of Indian Education Programs:  $1.13 billion approved, which is less than the $1.24 billion approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is the same as the enacted FY 2025 level. Education Construction:  $234.7 million, which is less than the $295.4 million approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is the same as the enacted FY 2025 level. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service :  $8.1 billion approved for FY 2026, which is less than the $8.41 billion approved in the House FY 2026 bill, but is an increase of $921 million above the enacted FY 2025 level.  This funding is for staffing new facilities and health care delivery services.  Contract support costs and Tribal lease payments are fully funded and includes $5.3 billion in advance appropriations for FY 2027. Indian Health Facilities :  $808.8 million which includes advance appropriations and is a $8.73 million increase above the enacted level in FY 2025; however, this is less than the $865.9 million approved by the House. Sanitation Facilities Construction : $106.6 million for the construction of sanitation facilities which is the same as the enacted FY 2025 level, but $24 million less than the amount approved by the House. Other Significant Provisions 105( l ) Leases:  Section 427 of the Senate bill directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Health and Human Services to hold Tribal Consultation on 105( l ) leases on how to implement a consistent and transparent process for the payment of leases.  Historic Preservation Fund :  $168.2 million approved for expenses necessary in carrying out the National Historic Preservation Act, which includes formula grants to fund Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.  This is $700,000 less than the House proposed FY 2026 funding, and but is the same as the enacted FY 2025 level.  U.S. Forest Service :  $319.6 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry to manage forest health, which is more than the $280.96 million approved in the House FY 2026 bill and a $16.3 million increase from the enacted FY 2025 level. U.S. Fish and Wildlife :  Tribal Wildlife Grants: $6.1 million for competitive grants for Indian Tribes for the development and implementation of programs for wildlife habitats.   The same as the enacted FY 2025 level.    Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation :  Provides $7 million to fund the Office and ensure that all appeals and relocation actions are completed.  The House FY 2026 bill eliminated this Office and its funding.   Mount Denali:  In response to President Trump’s Executive Order No. 14172 attempting to change the name of Mount Denali to Mount McKinley, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to restore the name “Denali” to the nation’s highest peak in Alaska and require all federal references to the mountain be returned to “Denali” within 60 days.  Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com   or 608-608-1210.

08/21/2025 Washington, D.C. – Skenandore Wilson LLP is thrilled to announce that our Founding Partner, Samantha Skenandore, will be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Indigenous Business Conference, “Indigenous Biz Con”, on October 13-14, 2025, at Potawatomi Casino – Milwaukee, WI.  This year's conference, "Rising Tides: Building Economies, Empowering Generations," promises to be a dynamic and insightful event, bringing together leading experts and innovators to explore public-private partnerships, tribally owned enterprises, and collaborative ventures between Native-owned businesses and state or corporate partners.   Indigenous Biz Con provides an opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and collaborate to build meaningful partnerships that result in business, all while breaking down barriers to economic development, building community, and elevating the voices of Native entrepreneurs.   You can register at https://indigenousbusinessgroup.org/event/indigenous-business-con/ .  We look forward to seeing you there!    Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com  or 608-608-1210.

10/29/2025 Washington, D.C. – On October 21, 2025, OMB released a memo entitled “Streamlining the Review of Deregulatory Actions” (Memorandum M-25-36). The OMB memo states that federal agencies are not eliminating enough federal regulations and encourages more deregulation. OMB also tells federal agencies that they do not need to separately consult with Indian tribes when rescinding regulations. The OMB memo speeds up timelines for deregulation and allows agencies to bypass public notice and comment periods when rescinding federal regulations. Agencies are directed to rescind regulations that they believe are unlawful based on certain court precedent or based on an agency’s own determination. OMB Memorandum M-25-36 is available here. OMB specifically directs agencies that deregulation does not trigger Tribal Consultation normally required under Executive Order No. 13175, “Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments.” Originally issued on November 6, 2000, the Executive Order has stood the test of time and become the foundation for Tribal Consultation policies issued by almost all federal agencies. Despite requirements that agencies consult with Tribes on all actions that may impact Tribal interests, OMB asserts that Tribal Consultation is unnecessary because OMB claims that deregulation or rescinding regulations will have a positive net benefit. OMB concludes that agencies can consult with Tribes during the standard public comment period, however, OMB also concludes that agencies may not need to seek public comment on proposed deregulation actions. OMB is not seeking comments on its directive to federal agencies. Tribes are encouraged to closely monitor deregulation efforts and seek full Tribal Consultation under Executive Order 13175 with federal agencies seeking to rescind or limit regulations protective of Tribal rights and resources. Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com   or 608-608-1210.

10/24/2025 Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA) have just noticed two critical hearings for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The ENR Hearing will examine Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The hearing is expected to focus on allegations that Section 106 review of historic and cultural properties is slowing the approval of energy projects. The ENR Hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The SCIA Hearing will examine the impacts of the Federal government shutdown and reductions in force on Indian tribes and communities. The SCIA Hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in room 628 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. These hearings have significant implications for the protection and management of Tribal historic and cultural resources and for Tribal staffing, funding and government operations. We encourage tribes to submit testimony to ENR and SCIA for each hearing and to reach out to their Congressional delegations. Written testimony is due to ENR by 4pm ET on November 5th and due to SCIA by November 12th. On October 29, 2025, the hearing and witness testimony will be available on the ENR and SCIA Committee Websites. The ENR hearing and testimony will be available here: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/10/full-committee-hearing-to-examine-section-106-of-the-national The SCIA hearing and testimony will be available here: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/oversight-hearing-entitled-impacts-of-government-shutdowns-and-agency-reductions-in-force-on-native-communities/ Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com   or 608-608-1210.

10/28/2025 Washington, D.C. – The five-week government shutdown shows no signs of resolution as talks in Congress remain frozen. While federal workers are now missing paychecks and effects are felt across Indian Country and the rest of the United States, the Senate is at a standstill. Last week, bills to pay federal employees were blocked and neither Democrats nor Republicans would agree to the other party’s bills to extend funding. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stated that Republicans must agree to negotiate an extension of expiring health insurance subsidies to get federal employees back to work. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) reiterated that Republican leaders will only discuss the health insurance tax credits after Democrats vote to open the government. Earlier this week, the Federal government employees’ union broke with Democrats to call for Congress to immediately pass a “clean” funding bill offered by Republicans. By the end of the week, members of the military will miss their next paycheck, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will run out, and the cost of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchanges will dramatically increase. Supporting SNAP has become a bipartisan focus. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced S. 3024, the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025. The bill has 11 cosponsors including Sens. Lankford (R-OK), Murkowski (R-AK), Cramer (R-SD), Cornyn (R-TX), and Welch (D-VT). A similar bill has been introduced in the House. Meanwhile, Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) has introduced the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to include the Women, Infants, and Children supplemental nutrition program. Despite the pressure, Majority Leader Thune has not expressed interest in advancing single-issue bills like the one for SNAP. He maintains that passing individual bills will open the flood gates for other individual bills and will unnecessarily drag out the shutdown. Senator Thune emphasized, "My view is what it has been from the very beginning, and that is to pay SNAP recipients by reopening the government. It’s not complicated.” Tribes have been accessing their own emergency funds and implementing contingency plans to maintain supplemental nutrition and food programs. Tribes can also reach out to their Congressional Delegations seeking quick action to fund SNAP and address the impacts from the Federal government shutdown. Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.   To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com   or 608-608-1210.